ST. LANDRY PARISH, La. (KLFY) -- An Opelousas inmate is on the run after escaping custody on Friday, but this isn't his first time. His last escape happened nearly two years ago. Raymond Howard, 33, first escaped from the St. Landry Parish courthouse in January 2023. He was incarcerated then for simple battery of the infirm and four bench warrants. This time around, he was in jail for numerous charges, including third-degree rape and simple burglary. According to authorities, Howard was inside a transport van with other inmates. While the van was stopped at a red light in Opelousas, he allegedly kicked out a window and escaped. "He got out of his prison clothing and kicked out a window of the back of the van, and literally bailed out headfirst," said Maj. Mark LeBlanc, of St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office. That was on Friday. According to the sheriff's office, Howard ran through parking lots and neighborhoods before entering the woods. Investigators don't know yet if he has had help. "We've also not completely been able to determine how he was able to remove his restraints from him," LeBlanc said. That's something the sheriff's office has seen before with this inmate, nearly two years ago. While being escorted from traffic court at the St. Landry Parish courthouse back to jail, Howard somehow got out of his restraints. He was handcuffed to a metal chain around his waist and shackled. His escape route was also a little unusual. See where Louisiana ranks as US state with adults using cocaine "Opelousas is filled with drainage canals, many of them cemented, which allows you to use it as a pathway to move from one area of the city to another," LeBlanc said. In both escapes, Howard got out of his restraints. LeBlanc said they haven't figured out how yet, but he does say law enforcement is trained on proper restraint techniques. "You have to remain humane through the whole thing. You can't unnecessarily and too restrictively restrain individuals. It's simply not humane. So, there's always going to be the inherent risk that somebody is going to figure out how to evade these restraints," he said. Leblanc said it's a constant area of learning, and there will always be that risk, as inmates will try to escape. "It's human nature. It's something you have to just be wary of and do as much as you can to mitigate it," he said. "Can you absolutely prevent it? Probably not right now." If you see Howard or know where he may be, contact St. Landry Parish Crimestoppers. Latest News 'Literally bailed out headfirst': Escaped inmate on the run has escaped custody before Trump says Ukraine's people are 'dead' Harris holds 8-point lead over Trump in Virginia: Poll New York court to hear Trump’s appeal of $454M civil fraud judgment Vance, Walz face potential game-changing moment with VP debate